The proposed development would be made up of two blocks of four two-bedroom houses, the Press & Journal reports.

Steve Roberston, development officer at the IRCT, said: “If all goes well and planning is granted, we hope to start building in June, with the houses complete early next year.”

He added: “Around the end of May our builder will start, so sometime in July or August this year we’ll be confident to say we will have houses for next year and then start the allocation process. It will give people time to start planning their lives around living in Rum.”

The isle of Rum currently has a population of just 22.

Funding for the new homes is being provided by the IRCT, the Scottish Government and Marine Harvest, who have a farm on the island.